Whisper, Shout, Sing
September 21, 2007 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
Actor Jim Carrey is, per his girlfriend, autism mother Jenny McCarthy, the “autism whisperer.” I take that to mean that Carrey has, in some not-necessarily-with-words-way, been able to have some kind of connection (in McCarthy’s view) to her 5-year-old autistic son, Evan (”‘Jim came into our life with an open heart and open arms. He’s learned a lot about autism. He listens. The power of listening. It can move mountains.’”)
Not being in a position to comment one way or another on that, I can say that mention of Carrey, star of Dumb and Dumber and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, reminds me of how much I prefer the perspective of comedy—of laughter, and the good feeling of laughing together—to that of tragedy. I do agree with the ancient Greek tragedian Aeschylus who said (in the Agamemnon), pathe mathon—”learning by suffering”—but there is so much light and love and hope in our days with Charlie that, however many moments of kaka (that is, “bad things,” from the ancient Greek) arise, the chance of being with Charlie outweighs all.
The kala (ancient Greek for “beautiful, noble”) of life with Charlie warrant at least whispering, and even shouting and singing, about.
Jack loves the scene in Liar Liar where Carrey beats himself up in the restroom.
After hearing Jenny talking about how Jim Carey is so good with her son, all I could think of was how it takes a real fun, energetic comedian to get my son Andrew’s attention most times. It would be nice to have someone like Jim Carey around with all the funny faces and voices he can make. I bet Andrew would love him. Wish I had Jim Carey’s energy and comedic talent some days.
I wonder if it is not only the overt humor, but the extreme mobility of his features and expressions that allows Carey to relate well with an autistic child. The first speech pathologist who worked with us using floortime had a true gift in that way–laughter and humorous expression kept kids’ attention on his face when the kids wouldn’t look at all at someone who was speaking to them “seriously.” And even now, many years later, I notice that my son’s eye contact and interaction is much greater when we are joking, playing and laughing.
there is *no*way* Jim Carrey is not on SOME spectrum, even if not “ours”. ok that is conjecture, but i mean, seriously…
(please excuse possible double negatives)
Jim Carrey is very, very animated and I can see how he could draw a child with autism into his funny, fun, world. He would probably make a fantastic ABA or Floortime therapist. Imagine how much language and how much fun a child could have with him. This is one “Jenny” comment that I probably agree with. WIth his his exaggerated speech and facial expressions, kids could really learn from him. Michele